14-Day Ultimate Austria Family Adventure & Epic Landscapes Route
Austria is a playground for families who love a mix of high-culture and high-altitude. This 14-day itinerary focuses on the 'Epic Journeys' theme, taking you from the gilded ballrooms of Vienna to the crystal-clear lakes of Zell am See, all while maintaining a pace that accounts for little legs and stroller access. You'll find that the Austrian rail system (ÖBB) makes intercity travel a highlight rather than a chore, offering spacious family zones and stunning window views.
We have curated this route to ensure you hit the major landmarks—like Schönbrunn Palace and the Golden Roof—without the stress of overpacking your schedule. With kid-friendly museums, gentle alpine hikes, and plenty of stops for 'Sachertorte' chocolate cake, this is the ultimate guide to experiencing the heart of Europe with your loved ones.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Vienna
Arrival at Vienna International Airport
Touch down in the capital. The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest way to the center, but the S7 S-Bahn is more budget-friendly and just as reliable for families with strollers.
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Visit the iconic heart of Vienna. The exterior is mesmerizing for kids with its multi-colored roof tiles. The interior is largely accessible, and the surrounding plaza is car-free.
The Prater & Giant Ferris Wheel
Head to the world's oldest amusement park. Ride the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel) for a slow-moving, safe, and spectacular view of the city—perfect for all ages.
Dinner at Figlmüller
Enjoy an authentic Wiener Schnitzel. While the main location is famous, their second location nearby often has more space for families. Reservations are essential.
Day 2: Palaces & Parks in Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
Take the Grand Tour of the palace. It is stroller-friendly with elevators available. Kids will love the specialized Children's Museum where they can dress up as royalty.
Schönbrunn Gardens & Maze
The vast gardens are perfect for letting kids run free. Explore the Labyrinth and the 'Irrgarten' (Maze) which includes a unique playground.
Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn)
Located within the palace grounds, this is the world's oldest zoo. It is exceptionally well-maintained, stroller-accessible, and features giant pandas.
Strudel Show at Court Bakery
Watch a live apple strudel making demonstration at the Residenz Cafe. It’s an engaging, delicious experience that ends with a warm slice for everyone.
Day 3: Music & Culture in Vienna
Haus der Musik (House of Music)
An interactive museum where children can 'conduct' the Vienna Philharmonic or see how sound works through hands-on exhibits.
Naschmarkt Lunch
Walk through Vienna's most famous market. It’s a sensory delight with stalls selling everything from local cheeses to exotic fruits. Great for a casual, pick-and-choose family lunch.
Belvedere Palace Gardens
While the Upper Belvedere houses 'The Kiss' by Klimt, the expansive manicured gardens are free to enter and offer great photo ops without the indoor crowds.
Casual Evening at Stadtpark
Visit the golden Johann Strauss statue and let the kids enjoy one of the city's best playgrounds located right in the park.
Day 4: Scenic Rail Journey to Salzburg
ÖBB Railjet Transfer to Salzburg
The journey takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes. These trains feature a 'Family Zone' with a small cinema and play area for children.
Mirabell Gardens
Famous from 'The Sound of Music,' these gardens are flat, stroller-friendly, and include a charming hedge maze and a dwarf garden.
Salzach River Walk
A gentle stroll along the river allows the family to take in the skyline of the Old Town. The Makartsteg bridge is covered in 'love locks' which kids find fascinating.
Dinner at Sternbräu
A traditional brauhaus with several different dining rooms and a courtyard. It is very welcoming to families and offers great Austrian staples.
Day 5: Mozart & Fortresses in Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Take the funicular up to the fortress. It’s a thrill for kids and saves a steep climb. The views of the Alps from the top are unmatched.
Mozart’s Birthplace (Hagenauer Haus)
Located on the busy Getreidegasse shopping street. It’s a relatively quick visit that introduces kids to the city’s most famous resident.
Getreidegasse Exploration
Wander through the narrow lanes with their famous wrought-iron guild signs. Look out for the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s sign!
Salzburg Marionette Theatre
Check for an afternoon performance. Their puppet versions of 'The Sound of Music' or 'The Magic Flute' are world-renowned and captivating for children.
Day 6: Fountains & Gardens in Salzburg
Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains
A summer palace built with 'trick' fountains designed to soak guests. It is an absolute highlight for kids. Guided tours are interactive and fun.
Salzburg Zoo Hellbrunn
Right next to the palace, this zoo is unique as it is built against a massive rock face. It’s easy to navigate with a stroller and very peaceful.
Hangar-7 (Red Bull Museum)
Located near the airport, this futuristic glass building houses a collection of historic planes and Formula 1 cars. It is free to enter and very 'cool' for older kids.
Dinner at Augustiner Bräu
An enormous beer hall with a huge outdoor garden. You can bring your own food or buy from the various 'deli' stalls. It’s very loud and lively, so no one will mind a noisy toddler.
Day 7: Alpine Fairytales in Hallstatt
Day Trip to Hallstatt
Take the train and then the ferry across the lake. The arrival by boat is the most scenic way to see the village. Note: Hallstatt has many stairs; stick to the main lakeside road with a stroller.
Hallstatt Skywalk
Take the Salzbergbahn funicular to the 'World Heritage View' platform. It juts out over the lake for incredible photos.
Salzwelten (Salt Mine)
If your children are 4 years or older, the salt mine tour is a must. It includes a wooden slide and a subterranean train ride.
Lakeside Relaxation
Feed the swans by the lake and enjoy an ice cream before taking the ferry back to the train station.
Day 8: Lake Views in Zell am See
Salzburg to Zell am See
A short, beautiful train ride (approx. 1.5 hours) takes you deep into the mountains. This lakeside town is exceptionally family-friendly.
Zeller See Boat Cruise
Take a 45-minute cruise around the lake. The boats are modern and offer great views of the surrounding peaks like the Kitzsteinhorn.
Lake Promenade Stroll
The path around the lake is flat and perfectly paved for strollers. There are several spots where kids can dip their toes in the water.
Dinner in the Old Town
Zell am See has a compact, charming center. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating where kids can watch the evening bustle.
Day 9: Mountain Peaks in Zell am See
Schmittenhöhe Mountain
Take the cable car (some designed by Porsche!) to the top. There is a 'Schmidolin's Dragon' themed trail that is highly engaging for young children.
Mountain Lunch
Eat at a traditional mountain hut (Berghaus). The air is fresh, and most huts have a small playground for children while parents finish their coffee.
Elisabeth Park
Back in town, this park features beautiful flowers and a 'Magic Lake Show' (water/light show) on certain evenings.
Casual Pizza Night
After a day on the mountain, a relaxed pizza dinner at Giuseppe’s is always a hit with kids.
Day 10: Gorges & Glaciers in Kaprun
Sigmund Thun Gorge
A short bus ride from Zell am See. Walking through the gorge on wooden walkways over rushing water is a safe but exciting adventure. (Note: Not for strollers, use a carrier).
Kaprun Castle
A 12th-century fortress that often hosts medieval festivals. It’s a great spot for kids to imagine being knights and princesses.
Tauern Spa Kaprun
Spend the afternoon in the 'Kidstein' area of this massive spa. It has indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and water play areas specifically for families.
Local Tyrolean Dinner
Enjoy 'Kasspätzle' (Austrian mac and cheese), a guaranteed winner for even the pickiest young eaters.
Day 11: Tyrolean Magic in Innsbruck
Zell am See to Innsbruck
Another scenic train ride (approx. 2 hours). Innsbruck is the capital of the Alps and offers a more urban feel surrounded by jagged peaks.
The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
The symbol of the city. The square in front is often filled with street performers, which is great entertainment for kids.
Hofgarten Park
A large, beautiful park near the Imperial Palace. It features a great playground and plenty of space for a family picnic.
Dinner at Stiftskeller
Located in the Old Town, this restaurant is huge and can easily accommodate families with strollers. Try the traditional dumplings.
Day 12: Views from the Nordkette in Innsbruck
Nordkette Cable Car
The station is designed by Zaha Hadid. The ride takes you from the city center to 2,256m in just 20 minutes. The view is breath-taking but safe.
Alpenzoo (Alpine Zoo)
Stop at the halfway point of the cable car to visit the world’s highest-altitude zoo, specializing in alpine animals like ibex and bears.
City Tower (Stadtturm)
If you have the energy, climb the tower for a 360-degree view of the medieval streets below.
Maria-Theresien-Straße
Walk the main shopping street. It’s mostly pedestrianized and offers great views of the Nordkette mountains framing the street.
Day 13: Crystal Worlds in Wattens
Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten)
Take the shuttle bus from Innsbruck. This is an art museum like no other. The 'Chambers of Wonder' are dazzling, and the giant outdoor 'Playtower' is a 4-story playground.
Daniels Kristallwelten Restaurant
Located on-site, it has its own patisserie and offers high-quality food with great kids' options in a bright, modern setting.
Bergisel Ski Jump
Visit this Olympic landmark. There is an elevator to the top, so it’s easy for families. The view of the jump and the city is thrilling.
Farewell Tyrolean Evening
Attend a Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family for yodeling and traditional dancing—it's high energy and kids love the music.
Day 14: Farewell to Austria from Innsbruck/Vienna
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some Manner wafers or Mozartkugeln chocolate for the trip home. The Old Town shops in Innsbruck offer beautiful wood-carved toys.
Late Brunch at Café Sacher Innsbruck
Experience the legendary Sacher Torte one last time in a beautiful imperial setting before heading to the airport or train station.
Departure Preparation
Most travelers will either fly out of Innsbruck or take the 4-hour direct train back to Vienna International Airport for their flight.
Transit to Airport
Ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight, especially when traveling with children and luggage.
Best Time to Visit Austria
The best time for a family trip is during the late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September). During these months, the weather is mild enough for long walks in the city and hiking in the mountains, but the summer crowds are smaller. If you love winter magic, December is spectacular for Christmas markets, though it requires much heavier packing for the cold. July and August are the warmest and liveliest but expect higher prices and busier attractions.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While most restaurants, hotels, and shops in cities like Vienna and Salzburg accept all major credit cards, it is vital to carry some cash (small bills and coins). Many smaller mountain huts, bakeries, or public restrooms (which often cost €0.50) are cash-only. Tipping is customary but modest; rounding up the bill by 5-10% is the standard way to show appreciation for good service.
Getting Around Austria
The most efficient and comfortable way to travel between Austrian cities is by train. The ÖBB Railjet network connects Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck with high-speed, frequent service. These trains are incredibly family-friendly, featuring dedicated play areas and pram storage. For more flexibility in the Lake District or the Tyrolean valleys, renting a car for a few days is a great option, as roads are excellently maintained and easy to navigate.
